Open House - Psychology Graduate Programs
October 19th-22nd, 2026
You'll find our schedule and the corresponding Zoom links below. When joining the Zoom calls, please list your full name and affiliations so our faculty are able to easily identify you. Thanks!
Monday, October 19, 6:00–7:00 PM — General Session
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/89940645855?pwd=v4blmhFekWPPwnc46TJVRHiOe4mcea.1
Meeting ID: 899 4064 5855
Passcode: 579228
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00–7:00 PM — Clinical
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/83453372361?pwd=JkGuKvhMpcE9AwEJXu3MoiuMlqgUoQ.1
Meeting ID: 834 5337 2361
Passcode: 264443
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00–8:00 PM — Developmental
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/84679713462?pwd=kWAaFaNEgGSc5umC3iap5qT3hBEdQ6.1
Meeting ID: 846 7971 3462
Passcode: 721545
Wednesday, October 21, 6:00–7:00 PM — MBB
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/84867897414?pwd=VVBhIRCf75sj1ksZjAYbla9nhAZxt9.1
Meeting ID: 848 6789 7414
Passcode: 217053
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00–8:00 PM — SPA
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/89612564651?pwd=nWMPWaO3zFDVn45perBQWsVPDamDGX.1
Meeting ID: 896 1256 4651
Passcode: 390992
Thursday, October 22, 7:00–8:00 PM — I/O
https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/82495701303?pwd=b3bT1Whv2sSKq2NactOOfy3olekp7Y.1
Meeting ID: 824 9570 1303
Passcode: 735292
Graduate Open House — FAQs & What to Expect
Who can attend?
These sessions are open to anyone interested in graduate study in psychology — including current SF State students, alumni, and students from other universities. Whether you’re planning to apply this year or just exploring your options for the future, you’re welcome to join.
What will be covered in the General Session?
The General Graduate Information Session (Monday, Oct. 20, 6:00–7:00 PM) will provide an overview of the graduate application process, including application timelines, program selection, statement of purpose tips, and funding opportunities. It’s designed for students considering any psychology graduate program at SF State and will include remarks from Dr. Jeff Cookston, Graduate Liaison Lauren Riley, and a video introduction from Dr. Ryan Howell our Department Chair.
How are the program sessions different?
Each program-specific open house focuses on one of our five graduate concentrations — Social, Personality & Affective Science; Clinical; Mind, Brain & Behavior; Developmental; and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Faculty coordinators will discuss program requirements, research opportunities, career pathways, and how to prepare a strong application for that particular concentration. Students are encouraged to attend multiple sessions if they’re interested in more than one concentration.
Should I have my video and audio on?
All sessions are virtual and open to the public, and no registration is required. You’re welcome to keep your camera off if you prefer — most participants do. However, if you’d like to ask a question during the Q&A or engage directly with faculty or students, feel free to turn on your video or use your mic when invited.
Graduation Events
2026 Psychology Recognition Ceremony
The Psychology Recognition Ceremony is a department-level celebration honoring students who completed their degree in Fall 2025 or are expected to graduate in Spring or Summer 2026. This event provides a more personal opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments with Psychology faculty, peers, and your families.
The ceremony will include a faculty-led procession, opening remarks, student speeches, hooding of MA/MS graduates by concentration, and recognition of BA graduates.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Location: Gym 100 (Nasser Family Plaza, SFSU Main Gym), San Francisco State University
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Seating: Doors open at 9:00 AM. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 AM.
Ticket Information
Guest tickets are managed through the College of Liberal & Creative Arts (LCA). Students who have applied for graduation will receive ticketing information and instructions via their SFSU email. Graduates do not need a ticket for themselves.
After the Ceremony
Following the ceremony, students and families are encouraged to take photos with faculty outside the gym.
University Commencement Ceremony
SF State holds an annual Commencement Ceremony each spring at Oracle Park. For more information about the university-wide ceremony, please visit the official SFSU commencement page.
SCHEDULE & ARRIVAL TIMES
- 08:30 AM: Campus mobility cart service begins for those who require DPRC services (see more below to schedule).
- 09:10 AM: Gymnasium doors open for guest seating.
- 09:15 AM: Graduate Arrival Deadline. Graduates must arrive by this time to begin lining up for the procession.
- 09:50 AM: Guest Arrival Deadline. Guests must be seated by this time.
- 10:00 AM: Ceremony begins promptly.
- 12:00 PM: Ceremony concludes. Please exit the gym immediately, as there will be another ceremony happening right after ours.
⚠️ Important Note on Late Arrivals: Anyone arriving after 09:50 AM will NOT be permitted to enter the main event space until after the graduate procession has completely finished.
SEATING INSIDE GYM 100
We are at absolute maximum capacity for this event. To ensure everyone can find a seat safely, we require strict adherence to the following house rules:
- First-Come, First-Served: Guests will be directed to their seats by our ushers.
- No Saved Seats: Parties must arrive together to be seated together. Please coordinate closely with your guests before entering.
- No Empty Seats: Guests must cooperate with the usher's directions and fill all available seats, leaving no gaps between neighbors.
- Clear Aisles: All aisles must remain completely clear at all times to meet fire safety regulations.
- Guests Must Remain Seated: We ask that guests please refrain from approaching the stage during the ceremony. We encourage you to take photos outside of the gym following the ceremony.
OVERFLOW SPACES (UNTICKETED GUESTS)
Unticketed guests will NOT be permitted to enter the main event space under any circumstances due to strict fire marshal and safety requirements. Guests arriving without a ticket will be directed to our two standing-room-only overflow options:
- The Adjacent Small Gym: Located directly next to GYM 100, featuring a large projector screen streaming the ceremony live.
- The Patio Space: An outdoor area equipped with a TV livestream, ideal for guests who prefer an open-air, less crowded environment.
ACCESSIBILITY & DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
We want to ensure our ceremony is accessible to everyone.
- General Accommodations: If you or a guest requires a disability accommodation (outside of parking lot transportation), please notify us as soon as possible at psych@sfsu.edu.
- Mobility Assistance (DPRC Cart Service): On-campus golf cart transportation is available for all students, faculty, staff, and guests who require mobility assistance. The service operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. To arrange a ride, please email parking@sfsu.edu as soon as possible with the name of the person requiring assistance and their estimated arrival time and date.
COMMUTING & PARKING
- Please be aware of the city's plan to close portions of 19th Avenue on Friday, which will likely affect many people's ability to access the venue. Please allow yourself ample time for transit and traffic.
o "A major traffic closure is scheduled along 19th Avenue (State Route 1) in San Francisco, stretching between Sloat Boulevard and Holloway Avenue near San Francisco State University. Two traffic lanes will be closed in each direction. One lane will remain open exclusively for public transit (Muni), emergency responders, and local access."
- Paid parking is available in the SFSU Parking Garage (Lots 19 and 20), located directly adjacent to Cox Stadium. Please allow extra time for parking, as campus will be busy.
ATTIRE / WHAT TO WEAR
We highly recommend wearing traditional caps and gowns (regalia). If you choose not to wear regalia, daytime semi-formal attire is appropriate.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
To allow university staff to reset the facility, the Gymnasium must be cleared immediately following the conclusion of the event. However, the rest of the beautiful SF State campus remains fully open! We encourage graduates and their families to utilize the outdoor plazas and campus landmarks to meet up, celebrate, and take photographs.